Reporting to the Program Supervisor, Ontario Works, the Community Services Worker – By-Name Supports, provides a wide range of compassionate and professional supports and services to clients experiencing homelessness on the By-Name-Data list, aiming to provide the client with the skills and tools needed that prevents aging into chronic homelessness. They support the delivery of the Reaching Home Program as well as working closely with community service providers to end chronic homelessness in Dufferin County.
What we can offer YOU!
- A competitive hourly wage ranging between $45.65 – $53.40 (January 1, 2025 Non-Union Pay Grid);
- Hybrid work arrangements
- Eligible to enroll in OMERS pension plan
- Access to Perkopolis; discount, reward and benefits program
- Access to an Employee and Family Assistance Program
- Unlimited access to live and interactive webinars offered by the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI)
- A supportive and collaborative work environment.
What you’ll do
- Collaborate with clients to develop individualized, goal-oriented case plans focused on achieving housing stability
- Utilize proven interventions to address barriers to housing and promote positive change, including motivational interviewing, harm reduction strategies, and crisis intervention
- Provide direct support and advocacy to navigate complex systems, including housing applications, income support, healthcare, and legal aid
- Actively engage with individuals on the By-Name List experiencing homelessness
- Build trusting, non-judgmental relationships with clients
- Conduct comprehensive assessments to identify immediate needs, strengths, barriers to housing, and underlying clinical considerations (e.g. mental health, substance use, physical health, trauma)
- Work intensively with Housing Support Workers and Landlord Liaison to identify and secure appropriate housing options for clients
- Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential client records in accordance with organizational policies and privacy regulations
- Utilize designated databases (e.g., HIFIS) for data entry, tracking client progress, and contributing to program evaluation
- Prepare reports as required, outlining client outcomes, service delivery, and systemic challenges
- Stay informed of best practices in homelessness services, housing-first principles, trauma-informed care, and relevant legislation
- Other duties as assigned
What you’ll bring
- Post-secondary diploma or degree in Social Services, Human Services or a related field
- Minimum two (2) years experience in homelessness / housing sector
- Minimum of two (2) years experience working directly with individuals experiencing homelessness, particularly those with complex needs
- Knowledge of various income security programs (E.g., Ontario Works (OW) Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), Canada Pension Plan (CPP))
- Knowledge of operational guidelines such as Reaching Home directives
- Demonstrated experience and comfort with street outreach and meeting clients in non- traditional settings
- Strong understanding of Housing First principles and harm reduction philosophies
- Excellent clinical assessment, crisis intervention, and case management skills
- Knowledge and application of crisis intervention and conflict resolution techniques
- Valid Class G driver’s license and access to reliable transportation required
- Must provide clear criminal reference check including vulnerable sector screening
- Suitable work from home environment including reliable high-speed internet
The County of Dufferin strives to provide exceptional customer service to all its residents and visitors. To effectively do so, all positions at the County of Dufferin require a commitment to upholding the County’s equity mandate through on-going and mandatory training and examining our day-to-day operations and impacts through an equity lens. Therefore, throughout the selection process, candidates will have demonstrated their ability to be anti-racist, equitable, inclusive, and respectful.
Ready to apply?
Interested applicants are invited to submit a resume and cover letter before the closing date and time to: hr@dufferincounty.ca
As an organization, we recognize the value of diverse perspectives and lived experiences, and the importance of creating an environment that embraces and supports these. We are committed to creating and fostering a workplace where all employees feel a sense of dignity and belonging. As such, we seek to attract, develop, and retain highly talented employees with a variety of identities and backgrounds, to better reflect the growing diversity of our region.
We actively encourage applications from members of groups with historical and/or current barriers to equity, including, but not limited to:
- First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, and all other Indigenous peoples.
- Members of groups that commonly experience discrimination due to race, ancestry, colour, religion and/or spiritual beliefs, or place of origin.
- Persons with lived experience of homelessness
- Persons with visible and/or invisible (physical and/or mental) disabilities.
- Persons who identify as women; and
- Persons of marginalized sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions.
We value the contributions that each person brings and are committed to ensuring full and equal participation for all in our workplace.
Your past does not define your future. A criminal record will not necessarily disqualify you from employment with us. We evaluate each application individually.
All applicants are thanked for their interest. Those chosen for next steps in the selection process will be advised by August 1, 2025. Information collected will be used in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act for the purpose of job selection and will not be used for any other reason. Accommodations are available for all parts of the recruitment process. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance.
